Armed conflict has erupted along a disputed stretch of the Thailand–Cambodia border, reigniting long-standing tensions over territory surrounding ancient Khmer temple sites.
The latest flare-up, which began on 24 July, has already claimed at least 12 lives, including civilians, and displaced more than 40,000 people from border villages.
Fighting reportedly began with small-arms fire but quickly escalated to include mortars, rocket attacks and air strikes. The Thai military confirmed deploying F-16 fighter jets in response to what it claimed were Cambodian incursions. In retaliation, Cambodia launched artillery strikes and announced sweeping bans on Thai imports – including fruit, fuel and media – as diplomatic ties deteriorated.
The unrest is centred near the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site claimed by both nations. Although the International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, access and surrounding land remain hotly contested. Similar skirmishes last occurred in 2011, leading to casualties and temporary border closures.
Thailand has since sealed all land border crossings with Cambodia, suspending overland movement of goods and people. Cambodian troops have reportedly taken defensive positions, and both sides have accused the other of provocation.
Despite the unrest, air travel remains largely unaffected. Commercial flights continue to operate normally to and from major destinations such as Bangkok, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Airports in both countries are functioning as usual, and there have been no disruptions to visa-free entry or general travel infrastructure in unaffected areas.
Popular tourist hotspots including Angkor Wat, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Bangkok and other cities away from the border remain open and unaffected by the conflict. However, itineraries involving overland travel between the two countries – particularly via border crossings near Surin, Sisaket or Preah Vihear are not advisable.